May masthead

May eNews 2011 

Stay for a night or weekend on the Kitsap Peninsula

"the Natural Side of Puget Sound"

Clearwater Casino lobby 

 Click here for Lodging information  

Business Retreatsharmony hills

We've recently added a special section for business retreats which is also added to our meeting/banquet venue search. 

Relaxing B & B Getaways 

selah inn2The Kitsap Peninsula has a variety
of Bed & Breakfasts ready
to treat you or your guests to a
special night or weekend!    

 Click here for a complete list of B&B's  

 Farmers Markets  

suquamish farmers market   Bainbridge Island 

9am - 1pm

 Madison Avenue

Poulsbo 

 9am - 1pm

Corner of 7th & Iverson  

Gig Harbor 

8:30am - 2pm

Uptown | Point Fosdick Drive 

 Kingston 

May 7 · 10am - 2pm 

Mike Wallace Park - next to Ferry 

Suquamish 

3pm - 7pm

Park across from Shell Station

Silverdale  

11am - 4pm

Old Town Port Parking Lot

Bremerton  

4pm - 7pm

Evergreen Park

 Port Orchard 

9am - 3pm 

Harrison Ave · next to Marina Park  

LOCAL ART WALKS 

gallery nite

First Friday - 5 to 8 PM

2nd Saturday - 5 to 8 PM

 
Bainbridge Island Artwalk 
 

 1st Friday - 6 to 8 PM

  

Gig Harbor Art Walk 

1st Saturday - 1 to 5 PM 

 

Port Orchard Art Walk 

3rd Friday - 4 to 7 PM

 

Congratulations to Amy Burnett  

on her 25th Anniversary!   


A Little Night Music... 

Eagle Harbor Jazz Ensemble

A Few Local Venues 

Jazz Canvas, Global Bean, Bistro, Four Swallows, Treehouse Cafe, Winterland, Manette Saloon, Moon Dogs Too and Pegasus Coffee House. Visit our Calendar of Event  and choose "Nightlife". Find more events at Kitsap Sun A & E.    

 

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Free Live Music every Friday & Saturday at the Beach Rock Lounge at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort   

 

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Admiral Theatre 

Justin Guarini - May 7

Swing Session Big Band - May 14

Alley Cats - May 20

 Click for events   

Nature Activities banner  May 7 - Seabeck - 10am - noon  

Guillemot Cove Wildflower Walk

 Guillemont nature preserve  Wendy McClure of the Washington Native Plant Society returns to lead another of her always popular wildflower walks. Bring your wildflower books! Learn more.  

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May 7 - Kingston 

Carpenter Creek Watershed Tours 

Back by popular demand! Led by knowledgeable guides, you will find the start point of the creek, tour Carpenter Lake Trail, learn about the special eco-system in which we live. Unique plants, geology and riparian corridor are vital to our watershed. Call to register! 

 

ecowalks190

 

May 14 - 9am-1pm - Bremerton

Big Tree Tour at Chico Creek Walk  

Jim Trainer leads a 3 mile hike in the Chico Creek watershed. Its a great opportunity to view eagle nests and the largest Douglas Fir in Kitsap County. Chiildren are welcome. For more info.  

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May 21 - 10am - 2pm - Silverdale

Celebrate Urban Birds at  

Clear Creek Interpretive Center 

Come learn about the birds of Clear Creek with hands on activities for kids of all ages.  

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May 28 - 4pm - Old Mill Park - Silverdale

Seine with the Suquamish Tribe 

Volunteers of all ages pull in 100 feet of net and discover all kinds of creatures living in the nearshore habitat at the mouth of Clear Creek in Dyes Inlet. Join in the discovery  while you capture, identify, measure and release the catch. This is truly educational fun for the whole family. Learn more.

happenings Fairgrounds banner

  May 6 & 7 · Kitsap Sun Pavilion   

Women today

Women Today, a two-day event which focuses on celebrating all aspects of womens lives. Hundreds of exhibits, trendy fashion show, demonstrations and informative

seminars. Don't miss it!

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Corey Day at the Farm

May 14 · Kitsap Sun Pavilion

Join the Slaughter County Roller Vixens for flat track derby races.

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May 21 - 9am - 2pm  

Kitsap Fairgrounds  

Petswalk poster 2011 

Kitsap Humane Society

PetsWalk 2011 

Bring your furry and feathered friends of all sizes to join in the 18th Annual PetsWalk! This event promotes good health and good fun while bringing people and their pets to support the efforts of KHS.  

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May 22 · Kitsap Fairgrounds  

  2011 Annual Family Fun Run
& Fitness Fair
 

Join family and friends for this fun fitness event. Includes a timed race/walk. Visit the fitness/nutrition fair which includes, vendor booths & activites, massage, yoga, disc golf, soccer with the Pumas and raffle drawings and more.

Buy your tickets locally and keep those processing fees working right here at home. kitsaptickets180 

Parks/Environment/Recreation

Clear Creek Trail

Great Peninsula Conservancy
North Kitsap Trails

Woods & Wildlife - Treez, Inc.
Stillwaters Environmental
Bloedel Reserve
Poulsbo Marine Science Center

IslandWood
WSU Beach Walkers
Theler Wetlands

Kitsap Audubon Society
Kitsap Parks & Recreation
WA State Parks - Kitsap
West Sound Cycling

Kitsap Mountaineers
Kitsap Runners
Olympic Kayak Club
Olympic Outdoor Center


Museums/Arts

Bainbridge Island Historical Society Naval Undersea Museum

Sidney Museum & Art Gallery 

Suquamish Museum
Evergreen Children's Theatre & Aurora Valentinetti Puppet Museum
Kitsap Historical Society & Museum
Gig Harbor Peninsula Historic Society & Museum   

    

Information Partners 

Westsound Home & Garden    

Kitsap Sun A&E
What's Happening

Chicago 

Visitor Information Locations

Open Weekends

dauntless220     

Historic Port Gamble 
Live Irish music 1st Sundays 2-4 PM Bike rentals also available!  

 Kingston Chamber 

Open Monday - Saturday

located downtown near many of Kingston's charming shops and restaurants.

Silverdale Antiques

Silverdale Way & Bucklin Hill

Friendly staff and fascinating antiques open Tuesday-Sunday   

Bremerton/Port Orchard
Open Friday-Sunday
Hwy 16 location near Hwy 3.
Internationally acclaimed Bonsai Garden collection.  

  Adventures on the water

minus the hassles!

sailboatHas the water been calling your
name? Worry not if you don't have a boat. Head for Poulsbo's Northwest Boat Rentals for a variety of ways to get out on the water. Electric, Power, Sail or Paddle! Plan a party, take Dad out on the water for Father's Day, overnight on a Sailboat or how
about a dinner cruise? There is no greater way to enjoy the splendors
of Liberty Bay and beyond.
 

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A great place to rent a kayak
in Poulsbo and Port Gamble is
Olympic Outdoor Center.
They have single or double kayaks
for all experience levels. You can
take classes or do an evening kayak tour. Kayaking is a great way to
relax and enjoy "The Natural Side
of Puget Sound."

   

Tillicum Village

Argosy Cruises Now Offering Excursions to Tillicum Village from Bremerton Haborside.  

Argosy Cruises has partnered with Kitsap Tours to offer memorable trips to Blake Island. Enjoy delicious salmon dinner, watch a spellbinding performance highlighting the customs, beliefs and dances of the Northwest Coast Salish Indians.Times & departure dates are limited so book today.
Routes & Schedules
ferrymap225
Look for our mini-Visitor Guide on the WA State Ferries and in visitor centers and terminals thoughout the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsula.
Cover for guide
Visit our website for lots of info about Kitsap Peninsula for planning events and visiting!
Check out our sports and visitors blogs too!
 
Museum Guide

May is Time for Festival, Fairs & Fun!

May is the official opening of play season on the Kitsap Peninsula and there are an abundance of farmer's markets, fairs and festivals. HarborFestA few of the most popular happenings include the Kitsap Harbor Festival, and 43rd Viking Fest, 63rd Armed Forces Day Parade, the largest of its kind in the USA. Find more info on these and other event below and on our Calendar of Events. Now is a great time to book a weekend on the Kitsap Peninsula. You'll find lots of lodging and dining options for people of all ages and budgets.
   

The Kitsap Peninsula is the Place To Tee Up!

golf_guySummer is here and it's time to reserve your tee time at one of our award-winning golf courses. at any excellent local courses inculding the award-winning Gold Mountain Courses in Bremerton, White Horse Golf Club in Kingston, Trophy Lake Golf Club and McCormick Wood in Port Orchard, and Port Ludlow Golf Club.

 

A Perfect Get-A-Way...

The historic 1909 Cedar Cove Inn in Port Orchard is a place to relax and enjoy views overlooking Port Orchard Bay, Sinclair Inlet and the Olympic Mountains. For a charming old world setting, The Milky Way Farm Guest House in Hansville provides a classic picturesque farmhouse over- looking 20 acres of hayfield, orchard, gardens and pond.  

On Bainbridge Island, the Eagle Harbor Inn is an intimate and unique "Petit Hotel" in the heart of downtown Winslow close to shops and fine restaurants such as the Cafe Nola and the lovely Four Swallows Restaurant.  


No matter what part of the Kitsap Peninsula you travel to, you'll find excellent lodging and dining choices. 

May 20, 21 & 22 - Poulsboviking fest crowd

43rd Annual Viking Fest & Road Race 

Join the festivities and spirit of Poulsbo's Scandinavian heritage! Food, crafts, music, parade, carnival and much more. Click for details. As part of the fun, grab your running shoes and join your friends at the Poulsbo Viking Fest Road Race.  

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May 21 - 10am -  Downtown Bremerton   

63 Annual Armed Forces Day Parade 

Pay tribute to the men and women who are serving or have served, our country at the nation's largest and longest running Armed Forces Parade. People far and near come out every year to enjoy over 150 marching units, dozens of military entries and several marching bands.  armed forces parade

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May 28, 29 & 30 - Bremerton & Port Orchardkitsap harbor fest logo   

Kick-Off Tourism Season with a visit to Kitsap Harbor Fest!  

Its time to get out and enjoy the sea and sunshine with a long weekend of boating activities at the Kitsap Harbor Festival. All kinds of fun events will take place on the waterfronts of both Bremerton and Port Orchard. Start the weekend out right with the 4.4 mile Bridge-2-Bridge Run/Walk. Visit Tall Ships, vendor booths, farmers markets, and a classic car show. Bring your vocal cords, to the Port Orchard Seagull Calling Festival. Amateurs and professionals alike will compete in the Wings Cook-Off. You won't want to miss the notorious  pirateMurder Mystery Event or join the fun of the Landlubber's Pirate Dinghy Derby Race.  Don't forget binoculars for the Sailing Regatta and grab a buddy for a good time in the beer garden. For a complete list of events and activities click here.   

 

With so many fun activities to attend, why not stay through the long weekend and book a hotel or bed & breakfast? There are lots to choose from such as the Baymont Inn & Suites and the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Bremerton, or how about a quiet getaway in Port Orchard at the ultimate in comfort, food and service, Little Clam Bay Bed & Breakfast.  

 

For a fabulous dinner in a lovely, quaint Bay Street Bistro

setting on Bay Street in Port Orchard is Bay Street Bistro. The Bistro strives to bring together great taste and local Northwest products in a relaxed setting.   

Head to www.visitkitsap.com for a complete list of lodging options as well dining and other activities.

Mother's Day Celebrations

Sunday - May 8 mothers day dinner

Celebrate Mother's Day at Kitsap Peninsula Restaurants 

Take your mom for her special day to one of the area's fine restaurants that are preparing wonderful menus just for the day. Check ahead, reservations are recommended and in some cases, required. Here are just a few worth considering:

 

· The INN at Gig Harbor (Gig Harbor) 10am-1pm
· Kiana Lodge (Poulsbo) brunch 11am-2pm

· Lighthouse Restaurant (Port Orchard) brunch 10am-4pm

· Anthony's Homeport (Bremerton) brunch 9:30am-2pm,

ddinner 2pm-9:30pm

· Alderbrook Resort & Spa (Union) brunch 8am-3pm  

· Clearwater Casino Resort (Suquamish) brunch ~ all day 

· Monica's Waterfront Bakery & Cafe (Silverdale) brunch-to  -go. Pick up on Saturday, serve to Mom on Sunday! 

· Resort At Port Ludlow  Seating at 11am, 2pm & 5pm 

· Selah Inn (Belfair) brunch 10am-2:30pm    

Taste of Kitsap Peninsula

May 14 · 10 am - 2 pm · Olympic College - Bremerton

Military Culinary Arts Competition 

Here is your chance to see Military Culinary Specialists from around the region compete for top honors in several culinary specialties such as chili, cakes, garnishments, wings, sugar art and Iron Chef Competition with a secret ingredient. Learn more.  

 

May 27 · 6 pm · Port Ludlow dining

Fireside Restaurant presents: Dinners Around the World    

Come dine and indulge in a world-class gourmet multi-course meal enhanced by the selected region's wines, beer or champagnes. Learn more.  

Local Wineries & Breweries 

The Kitsap Peninsula is now home to dozens of local wineries including commercials vineyards that grow and process their grapes right here on the Kitsap Peninsula. Perennial Vintners, and Bainbridge Island Vineyard. Once a month, Bainbridge Island has wine tasting weekends at seven different wineries.  Learn more. 
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If you love brew pubs, there Hales Alehouse, Silver City, and Der Blokken also have great eateries. Visit our dining search to discover all kinds of culinary adventures whether you're in the mood for ethnic cuisine, casual dining or exquisite Northwest fare. There are lots of wonderful places to eat and drink on the Kitsap Peninsula!

Crowd-Pleasing Community Events

May 7 - 9:30am - Bremerton

Kitsap Peninsula Street Scramble   

Street Scramble This family-friendly event will be a blast! Thirty checkpoints are marked on a map of the Bremerton area. Go solo or in a team of 2-5. Be competitive or casual. Discover a new neighborhood, make friends along the way. Awards in many categories.  Click here for more details.

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May 21 - Silverdale - Silverdale Beach Hotel     

Kustom Kulture Festival 2011  

pinup girl 

You won't want to miss Kitsap County's 3rd Annual Pinup Contest and Kustom Kulture Festival. This year's theme is "Pinup Girls Save The World". Check out an assortment of pre-1972 custom cars and motorcycles. There will be seven bands performing great music all day during the event. Learn more. 

 

Other Things to See, Do and Explore

May 7 - 1 - 3pm - Kitsap Conference Center - Bremerton

Spring Tea Fashion Show
Invite your mother, daughter or special friend to attend the fun Spring Tea Fashion Show benefiting the arts. This year's event will showcase "vintage" with fashions created by local artists from recycled and vintage materials. Enjoy art, music, food and tea of course. 

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May 7 - 5 - 9pm - Port OrchardRotary Club Crab feed 

Port Orchard Rotary Crab Feed and Auction 

Don't miss the jazziest fundraising event around! Takes place at McCormick Woods Golf Course. Ticket includes live auction, all the crab you can eat and two drinks. This year's theme is "all that jazz". Featuring No Inhibition jazz band. A great time to be had by all! Learn more. 

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May 12 - 5pm - 8pm - Downtown Poulsbo 

girls night out poulsbo Join the fun on Girls Night Out

in downtown Poulsbo       

Grab your women friends for a night out in historic downtown Poulsbo for this year's Girls Night Out. Grab bags and specials all over downtown. Store discounts, restaurant specials, in-store events and more.     

  Arts, Museums & Live Performances

Writers Talk: Local indie bookstores offer a wide varietyEagle Harbor Books of events and guest speakers. For current events, please visit any of the following bookstores on the Kitsap Peninsula.

The Bethel Avenue Book Co. in Port Orchard, Liberty Bay Books and Book Stop in Poulsbo, Dauntless Book Store in Port Gamble, and Eagle Harbor Book Co. on Bainbridge Island.

 

May 5 - 7:30pm - Eagle Harbor Book Co - Bainbridge Island

Driving with Plato: The Meaning of Life's Milestones   

Driving w/Plato_bookEagle Harbor Book Company welcomes London author Robert Roland-Smith discusses his book, a delightful, intellectual romp through life's milestones-being born, learning to drive, getting married, etc. Drawing on the great philosophers, as well as on the arts, politics and psychology, Smith creates a rich range of ideas for readers to contemplate, all in a humorous voice that revels both life's absurdities and in the pure delight of discovery.

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May 15 - 1 - 4pm - Bainbridge IslandSan Carlos poetry reading  

Don't Miss the 28th Annual San Carlos Poetry Reading

Come by the San Carlos Restaurant for a poetry reading tradition! Gather to listen and/or read a poem. It's lots of fun. Chips & drinks are served. Hosted by Island treasure, Bob McAllister. Call if you want to read or just come a bit early and sign up. Info: 206.842.3913 

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Live Performances:
The Kitsap Peninsula is home to hundreds of talented artists and you can see them all at our many active local theaters...listed below are just a few.    

CSTOCK - Silverdale
Jewel Box Theatre
- Poulsbo
Bremerton Community Theater
Bainbridge Performing Arts

The BI Metro Park & Recreation   

For more activities visit our Calendar of Events.
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May 7 - 7:30pm - Bainbridge Island  

The EdgdgeBainbridge Performing Arts presents the hilarious The Edge Improv 

You won't want to miss the ingeniously improvised evening of on-the-spot comedy, all from audience suggestions. For more than 16 years, the troupe's riotous antics have inspired rave reviews from audience members. Learn more  

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May 20 - June 18 - Jewel Box Theatre - Poulsbogrey gardens 

Grey Gardens ~ The Musical  

at The Jewel Box 

Grey Gardens brings to life the delightfully eccentric aunt and cousin of Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis. Set in two eras, 1941 and 1973, in East Hampton, New York, the musical tells the poignant and funny story of Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter "Little Edie". Don't miss this delightful and engaging show. Click here for more details. 

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bremerton symphonyMay 14 - 7:30 pm - Bremerton

Bremerton Symphony Spring Celebration  

This is the celebratory season finale with works by: Liszt - Hungarian Rhapsody #2, Elgar - Pomp and Circumstance #1, Debussy - Nocturnes w/Chorale, and Bizet - L'Arlesienne Suite w/Chorale. The concert will be held in the Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center. For more information click here.   

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Starting May 6 - Kitsap Historical Museum - Bremerton

Made for walkin Made for Walkin' exhibit opens 

May is here and so is a wonderful, new exhibit at the Kitsap Historical Society and Museum. Made  for Walkin'

features shoe making and repairing, a re-created shoe store, and a portrait gallery where subjects are seen through their footwear. Be sure to stop by for a ribbon cutting on May 6 at 6pm during Bremerton's First Friday Arts Walk.   


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Stella LunaMay 14 - Roxy Theatre - Bremerton

Aurora Valentinetti Puppet Museum & ECT presents the charming Stellaluna    

Children of all ages will enjoy the delightful Stellaluna performed by Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre. Also, opening in May and running through June is "Lamb Chops' Mother" and "Thailand, Spirit of Wonder". Starting at 6pm on May 6 as part of Art Walks in Bremerton is the Shari Show: Is Everybody Happy?  Click here for more information. 

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May 6 - 30 - The Gallery - Bainbridge IslandBainbridge Arts and Crafts

Lines and Shorelines is a new, thematic exhibition at The Gallery.

Eight local, talented artists were asked to find someplace where Bainbridge Island meets the water and to draw that moving line. This compelling exhibition is part of a series of cultural events surrounding the Year of the Sea. Learn More
Adventures Sports & Recreation
KNW Adventure Sports Festival
May 7 & 9 pm - Port Gamble

Adventure Sports Festival in Port Gamble 

Grab the kids, your buddies and sense of adventure and enjoy a fun-filled weekend of Adventure Sports in historic Port Gamble. Whether you are a beginner or advanced, young or old adventurer, you will appreciate all of the activities available such as racing, demos, classes, vendors, food and a festival atmosphere. All ages are welcome and no experience is necessary.  Click here for more details.

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May 8  - 9am - Port Gamble
runner in woods

Mother's Day 5K Trail Run  

Come join in the fun and race on the beautiful wooded trails and logging roads of historic Port Gamble. This is part of the NW Adventure Sports Festival so there are lots of fun activities before and after the race.    

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save the date sidebarJuly 9 & 10 - Bainbridge Island

Paddle Bainbridge 


Mark your calenKayak familydar for this spectacular 2-day event. This will be the highlight
of your paddling year! Whether its a kayak, canoe, rowing, or other human powered craft, you will enjoy the spectacular natural beauty, challenge of the course, and make new paddling friends along the way. Click here for more event information. 

Arrive by ferry, bridge, boat or bike!

ferry

Washington State's most popular attraction!

You can arrive from the south via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, from the northwest, by way of the Hood Canal Bridge, or aboard a ferry from Edmonds, Seattle or Southworth (cyclists are always welcome). The ferries are the #1 attraction in Washington State and a must do-experience for guests from out-of-town...or from the other side of Puget Sound. Avoid the rush and set sail before, after or in between commute times.  You'll find details at WSF.  

 

Sail or Motor On Over!   

Boating in and around thesailboat2 Kitsap Peninsula is a natural! With nearly 300 miles of shoreline, our ports, marinas and launches beckon boaters of all types. There are dozens of community marinas & ports that offer overnight and long term moorage. See you on the water!  Visit our boating page for more information.    

Welcome to the KPVCB
masterlogo
The Kitsap Peninsula Visitor & Convention Bureau is the official visitor and information bureau for the Kitsap Peninsula. Staff is available to provide assistance to visitors, professional convention, meeting, tournament, and event planners, and others seeking information about the Kitsap Peninsula.

You can learn more about the Kitsap Peninsula and its communities on our  website at www.VisitKitsap.com. Please contact us anytime at 800-337-0580, or via email at
info@visitkitsap.com.
  

 
Click Here for Google Map to the KPVCB Office